A Faceless Powerless Man

I am an average 44 year old living in an underdeveloped country. My name is not recognised by many. I am neither a celebrity or a politician or an “influencer”. Hence no one cares for my views. I live in a so called democracy where despite being a majority, I feel like a minority. And yet because what I see happening around me so jarring…it is forcing me to write.

As a corporate executive I make enough to live a comfortable life. But I also pay a lot of taxes. And in return I get nothing. The road outside my home is broken. Streets are crowded. There is overall apathy. I am expected to set very high standards at work -something I gladly do. However, all around me I see mediocrity. And a total lack of awareness. This new connected age has swept aside many of my friends colleagues who are today not even aware of their ignorance.

Due to the nature of my work I am exposed to how AI and Big Data is being used by companies and politicians to influence people. And it is really scary. Because for the first time in my life -I am able see things that many people around me refuse to see. It’s like being on the Titanic and seeing the ice berg many miles ahead. And when I try to tell the Captain of the ship he thinks I am a fool.

So what is the option? Should I give up on this world and live a life busy in my own affairs? Or do people like us who see some truth -have the responsibility to speak out no matter how inconvenient it may seem to others?

Its not easy. And yet many others before me have faced this misery. And many of them have risen above the normal tides of history to create a change! Even today their ideas continue to guide us in myriad visible and invisible ways.

What is needed is for the good to come together. Even though Gandhi was the key catalyst it was the people who rallied up around him who enabled him to become an effective leader. So all of us who feel disturbed by the media frenzy, the abuse and trolling on social media as well as the covert manipulation of the prevalent narratives by the all powerful politician -business nexus -we must rally together.

Alone we are weak. With each other’s support we can be a voice for change!